A MAP of Bicester sparked alarm after it suggested the London Road level crossing would close.

The map, available at council buildings, labelled the level crossing as shut from 2019 as residents claimed any closure would build a “Berlin Wall” between the east and west of the market town.

The level crossing is currently closed while work continues on Bicester Village station, which will open on October 26.

But Network Rail has since been unable to confirm or deny whether the crossing could be permanently closed.

Bicester Town Council said the map publishers made a “serious error” and denied it had any involvement in its creation.

Town council chief officer Sue Mackrell wrote to the Bicester Traffic Action Group to confirm the mistake.

She said publishers of the map, Codair, had admitted it made the error.

The council officer added the map would be reprinted.

But residents are still worried about the future of the level crossing.

John Broad, 70, who lives in Langford Village, said: “I’ve got a map and it says it will close in 2019.

“This is supposed to be an eco-town and we are being told that all the time.

“Yet there will be a barrier from the east side to the centre of town.

“At the moment it’s about a 10-minute walk into town.

“If the crossing is closed, then the only option is to drive around the ring road or go to Boundary Way, and the parking in the town centre is already horrendous.

“The east will be cut off, it will be like the Berlin Wall between the east and west. It’s completely insane.”

Codair director Terry Knight said he was aware of the issue, adding that every effort would be made to collect in the 10,000 incorrect maps printed, with a correct replacement to be distributed.

He added: “It was totally an error on our part.

“It was information one of our cartographers found online and they acted on that in good faith, thinking they were providing up-to-date information.”

Network Rail said it was working with transport authority Oxfordshire County Council, but rail bosses could not confirm whether the crossing would be reopened.

Network Rail spokeswomanVictoria Bradley said the future of the crossing was in the “early stages” of discussion.

She added: “ If there is an increase in services, that means the crossing will be shut for a period of time. We are speaking with the council to alleviate this, that could mean the crossing may close or may not. It’s in the very early stages.”

Action group member Sallie Wright said a closure would cause a “huge inconvenience” to residents.

She added: “With it being closed already, it means the residents in Langford Village are cut off.

“If you are in a wheelchair there is no easy way to get across the crossing.

“The council and rail company need to think again.”

The October 26 reopening will also see the new Oxford Parkway station at Water Eaton near Kidlington opening as the new commuter link to London Marylebone via Bicester comes into operation.